Review of Psychological Approaches and Therapies

Introduction

• Live session discussing psychology and therapy.

• Emphasis on audience participation and online feedback.

Positive Reinforcement and Psychoanalysis

• Question: Why is positive reinforcement not associated with psychoanalytic therapy?

  • Answer: It is part of the behaviorism model, associated with operant conditioning; psychoanalytic therapy does not incorporate this concept.

Conditions of Worth and Humanistic Therapy

• Discussion: Conditions of worth are not part of the psychodynamic model.

  • Related to person-centered or humanistic therapy, which emphasizes client-led therapy.

Cognitive Restructuring

• Cognitive Model Association: Cognitive restructuring linked to cognitive therapy (CBT), which integrates cognitive and behaviorist principles.

Psychoanalytic Therapy Techniques

• Key Techniques: Free association is a fundamental aspect of psychoanalytic therapy along with transference and resistance.

  • Objective: Bringing unconscious material into the client’s awareness.

Psychodynamics and Client Awareness

• Key Concept: Psychoanalytic therapy aims to raise awareness of unconscious difficulties through techniques like transference.

  • Example: Addressing cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, predominantly leveraged in CBT.

Signal Anxiety

• Definition: A form of anxiety that warns the ego of overwhelming negative automatic anxiety.

Lecture Outline

• **Topics Covered:

  1. Existential Psychology

  2. Positive Psychology and PERMA Model

• Compare philosophical themes and therapeutic practices.

Philosophers in Existential Therapy

• Key Philosophers:

  • Kierkegaard: Discussed personal agency and subjective truths.

  • Nietzsche: Argued that humans create their own values and meaning.

  • Sartre: Introduced "existence precedes essence"; we shape our identity through experiences.

  • Husserl: Focused on phenomenology, emphasizing human experience and essence.

  • Heidegger: Examined the inseparability of context and existence; meaning is derived from one’s environment.

Case Study: Sean

• Sean feels overwhelmed by life and questions her purpose.

• Quote: Expresses struggle with identity and feels burdened.

Core Existential Themes

• Existence vs. Essence: Understanding existence as dynamic and unique, beyond mere biological factors.

• Freedom and Choice: Individuals are free to make choices, which can induce anxiety.

• Future Orientation: Emphasis on aspirations and motivations over past experiences.

• Interconnectedness: Individuals are relational beings, affected by their relationships and environments.

• Embodiment: Mind and body are unified; our physical state influences our mental state.

Anxiety in Existential Therapy

• Existential philosophers view negative emotions (anxiety, guilt) as inherent to the human experience.

• Client Journey: Facing emotions can lead to greater authenticity and self-awareness.

Comparison of Existentialism and Humanism

• Shared focus on lived experience and authenticity.

• Differences: Humanists often view human nature as inherently good.

Introduction to Positive Psychology

• Definition: Focuses on nurturing strengths rather than pathology. Emphasizes happiness and well-being.

• Interventions: Aim to increase happiness through goal-setting and relationship-building.

Key Elements of Positive Psychology

• PERMA Model:

  • Positive Emotion

  • Engagement

  • Relationships

  • Meaning

  • Accomplishments

Positive Psychology Interventions

• Tools focus on gratitude, mindset, relationships, and engagement in flow activities.

• Well-being vs. Mental Illness: Recognizes that good mental health does not automatically equate to well-being.

Critiques of Positive Psychology

• Accused of promoting unrealistic expectations of happiness; overlooks psychological dysfunction.

• Methodological Concerns: Questions raised about the lack of comprehensive theory underpinning the PERMA model.